DIY Soil Fertility – Part 6: Charcoal and Biochar
Charcoal vs. Biochar – What Is The Difference? Charcoal is the carbonized solid that remains after biomass has had all moisture and volatile compounds removed from it via pyrolysis, the slow heating of wood or other carbonaceous materials in a low to no-oxygen environment. Biochar, generally speaking, is charcoal that has been “charged” with nutrients…
DIY Soil Fertility – Part 5: Fermented Plant Juice
What Is Fermented Plant Juice? Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ) is a fermented extract of the saps and chlorophylls of specific types of plants. It is enzymatically rich and full of lactic acid producing bacteria and yeast that can help to invigorate plant and animal growth (a probiotic). FPJ is simple to make with typical home…
DIY Soil Fertility – Part 4: Thermophilic Compost
What Is Thermophilic Composting? Thermophilic composting processes are set up to favor thermophilic (“heat loving”) microbes that are capable of rapidly breaking down organic matter into humus. Thermophilic composting is a way to make large quantities of quality compost in a relatively short period of time, and is typically done in meter square piles (the…
DIY Soil Fertility – Part 3: Compost Tea
What Is Compost Tea? Compost tea is nutrient and microbe rich liquid that is aerobically brewed to maximize the number of beneficial microbes, fungi and bio-available nutrients for the soil food web and plants. Basically it’s an immune-boosting, growth-enhancing, nutrifying power drink for your garden! Why Brew Your Own Compost Tea? The benefits of regular…
